Ground: Soft to Very Soft. The course at County favours those who ride well when company is higher than normal pay grade. Progressive horses less likely to be in with a shout. Aged horses who have ran well in previous seasons and need a boost in confidence tend to hold fort in this annual (sometimes/often bi-annual) chase sponsored by Contracting Solutions Group.
Runners and Riders:
Paul Hart 6/4 (Fav): This veteran has run poorly in his last three outings, often outstayed by those who have more to give. Has connections to this area, once running decently before falling at the second last when racing at course over the river. Though form is lacking, this race is heavily suited to older horses who won't cost much to parade in the winner's enclosure.
Curtis Woodhouse 2/1: Market has shortened this horse's odds, a surprise to see it so high up on the card. Many punters will be desperate to see this horse lose. Has run in a couple of Point-To-Points, but nothing of the standard of this grade successfully. Would be a shock to see it win, but on this course, little is impossible.
Mark Yates 5-1: Odds have been moving around the market all day. An interesting selection, surely worth a punt as highly backed by internet tipsters. Very much the type of horse less expected to win this race, given form is reasonable and has given hopes of a decent run, particularly given notable places at Cheltenham. Price means that many will fancy this horse to win, though the unpredictable ground and course may have other ideas.
Darren Ferguson 16/1: Horse has run in higher grade races with some success, though has never dealt well with handicaps, let alone the one he will inherit in this race. Always fancied due to sire being multiple National Hunt champion Sir Alex.
Neil Warnock 20/1: Has ridden well in this race before, but claims to place may be hampered by age and recent poor form, though at a higher grade. Hasn't raced at this level for many a season, brought back maybe for a pre-retirement hurrah. Outside shot, but younger runners must be fancied.
Ian Holloway 28/1: Horse with decent recent form in a group of runners that offer very little. Having said that, hasn't run at this low a standard for a while, though mind boggles as to why he hasn't dropped down to this grade previously given some great starts followed by fairly consistent poor jumping as race progresses at Grade One and Two. Not really a contender.
Nigel Adkins 33/1: Undoubtedly the best form of the horses in this race, having ran pretty well even in Grade One races, was an excellent progressive horse in his youth. Main reason for failure will again be down to the unpredictable ground at this course, often leading to best horses pulling up once the race has started. Has run well in handicap races of somewhat similar level in the past though.
Paul Ince 40/1: Won this race a few years ago off the back of poor form. Always on form card since then but will probably end up being a non-runner in recognition by owner that he has no chance whatsoever of placing, especially given various poor finishes since his first 'win' here.
Bookie's note: The winner of this race, rather than receiving usual cash prize will get nine games followed by hopeless career prospects and an undignified end involving dropping down a grade.
